This is a list of books I think should be read by age twenty-five. It includes some of my favorites, some classics, and some novels that are on my ever-growing book list.
1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Yes, the whole series. At the very least, try the first book. It does start getting darker as you go, but the tale of a boy growing up unloved and taking a stand against evil is very powerful.
2. Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
A beloved tale of heroism and good conquering evil. It teaches that even someone small, like myself, can make a difference. I’m in the process of reading this trilogy, but I’m already a die-hard fan of the movies, so it’s nice to get a more rounded picture.
3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
These are a bit more nostalgic for me because my mom used to read them to me before bed. They teach awesome lessons about morality and the value each person has, no matter their age.
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
I read this my senior year of high school and fell in love. Written just before the Victorian era, Jane, the heroine, is a women ahead of her time. It’s a joy to watch her progress from an unloved child, to strong and independent women, to a loving and supportive wife.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is another classic novel, one that really captures the child-like view of segregation and prejudice. Watch as innocence is stripped away and new knowledge allows for growth and understanding.
6. Atonement by Ian McEwan
Set pre-, mid-, and post World War II, it tells the three-part story of young Briony as she learns how easy mistakes are to make, how much they affect those around us, and how sometimes we can never fully atone for them on our own. This is one of the few novels to ever bring me to tears.
7. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
This book took me by surprise. I was expecting lots of hate on sin, but it offered more on humility in sin and the mental torture of not taking responsibility for one’s actions.
8. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
This is one of my favorite movies, and I really desire to understand the full story. Westley’s persistence in his relationship with Buttercup is very admirable. Plus all the fun characters add another dynamic to the plot.
9. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This is another classic that was ahead of its time. It is humorous to watch the playful and sometimes scathing banter between characters. Watching Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship and likeness unfold is a great joy as a reader.
10. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
This another hopeful, intended read. Having seen the Disney animal film and the musical, I’d like to read the original source material. Plus I quite liked Mr. Dickens’ style in A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations.
11. Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix
This little novel tells the tale of what comes after "happily ever after." It deals with a great deal of politics and dispelling the magic of a supposed fairytale with ease and grace. It’s a fun read that turns the story of Cinderella on it’s head.
Whether you like or finish them, I hope you'll at least give them a shot. Literature can be quite telling not only about the world around us, but also about ourselves.
